Things to Do in Worcester (2025)

A cornerstone for five centuries of art, the museum is debuting major Arms and Armor galleries in late 2025. Reported by WBUR and championed by regional travel writers, it remains the city’s richest window into world culture and local pride.

Built in 1857 and revered for its acoustics, this nonprofit venue hosts organ concerts, tours, and community programs. Recognized by the National Park Service and celebrated by local critics, it’s the beating heart of Worcester’s music history.

Downtown’s restored showplace brings nationally touring Broadway hits and local repertory onto one stage. Covered by Broadway World and widely recommended by regional arts editors, it’s the city’s marquee night-out for theater lovers.

New England’s indoor–outdoor science and nature museum turned 200 in 2025 and remains a family favorite for animal habitats, planetarium shows, and wooded trails. Recent programs and festival events confirm a lively, community-centered mission.

Formerly Worcester Historical Museum, the institution reintroduced itself in 2025 with a citywide lens and free admission through January 23, 2026. Expect exhibitions that spotlight Worcester innovators, neighborhoods, and under-told stories.

Chef Jared Forman’s downtown restaurant anchors Worcester’s dining rise with seasonal, regionally sourced menus and Sunday brunch. Frequently praised by Boston Magazine and local critics, it’s a confident, creative expression of modern Worcester cuisine.

An independent gastropub famous for farm-to-table cooking and one of the state’s most admired beer lists. Featured by Eater Boston and beer publications, it’s where Worcester’s ethics of sourcing and hospitality show up on every plate and pour.

A vibrant marketplace of local makers and vintage vendors inside a restored mill. Highlighted by House Beautiful and Country Living, Crompton showcases Worcester’s creative scene with gifts, antiques, and frequent pop-up events in The White Room.

A classic Worcester Lunch Car turned rock venue, loved for rowdy shows and old-school burgers. Often name-checked by New England editors, it’s a living slice of local culture where underground music and late-night conversation thrive.

A nonprofit makerspace with woodshop, metal shop, textiles, electronics, and digital fabrication labs. Open Hack nights and hands-on classes welcome visitors to learn, prototype, and collaborate with Worcester’s maker community.

One of the nation’s oldest craft centers offers classes in ceramics, glass, metals, photography, and more, plus exhibitions in the Krikorian Gallery. Frequently covered by regional arts outlets, it’s a welcoming portal into Worcester’s maker culture.

Independent brewers inside the Worcester Ice Center pouring easy-drinking ales and lagers with rinkside views. Named Best Brewery in 2025 by Worcester Business Journal and covered by local news, it’s a convivial stop in the Canal District.